Bruins, Trojans seek consolation in disappointing seasons with rivalry win
Southern California coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams (13) confer during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Southern California on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. Credit: AP/Andy Nelson
UCLA (6-4, 3-4 Pac-12) at Southern California (7-4, 5-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Line: USC by 6 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: USC leads 52-32-7.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Bragging rights in Los Angeles and possession of the Victory Bell will be little consolation for the winner between the Bruins and Trojans after promising seasons have fallen apart. An embarrassing 17-7 home loss to Arizona State has raised real questions about the likelihood of UCLA coach Chip Kelly getting a seventh season in charge. The firing of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch wasn’t enough to keep USC in the Pac-12 title race, with those hopes ending in a spirited but frustrating 36-27 defeat at No. 6 Oregon.
KEY MATCHUP
UCLA QB Ethan Garbers vs. USC’s secondary. Garbers looks to be on track to start after sitting against the Sun Devils because of an injury he sustained at Arizona on Nov. 4. Without him, the Bruins could not generate consistent success through the air and allowed Arizona State to sell out to stop the run at critical moments in the red zone. The Trojans gave up touchdown passes of 77 and 83 yards as the Ducks gained 412 yards through the air, so there should be chances for a healthy Garbers to get the passing game back on track.
UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, left, pressures Arizona State quarterback Trenton Bourguet during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. Credit: AP/Ryan Sun
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UCLA: DE Laiatu Latu. Tied for second in the FBS with 18 1/2 tackles for loss after picking up another 2 1/2 against the Sun Devils, Latu has been one of the key components in the Bruins’ defensive turnaround. He had 1 1/2 sacks in the crosstown showdown last season.
USC: QB Caleb Williams. This hasn’t been the season Williams wanted in the win column, but he has been exceptional in trying to prop up a flawed team. Williams’ 29 touchdown passes are tied for second in the FBS, and he has added another 11 rushing scores. His remarkable ability to extend plays will be tested by the fierce UCLA pass rush in what could be Williams’ home finale.
FACTS & FIGURES
Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) scrambles for a first down against Oregon during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. Credit: AP/Andy Nelson
UCLA RB Carson Steele was held to 33 yards on 11 carries against Arizona State, his second straight game with fewer than 40 yards rushing. The Ball State transfer had generated at least 75 yards in seven of his first eight outings, including consecutive 100-yard games against Washington State and Oregon State. ... The Trojans’ thrilling 48-45 win over the Bruins last season was the 11th time in the past 12 meetings where the victorious team scored at least 34 points. ... USC RB MarShawn Lloyd has scored in each of the past six games he has played in. He missed the loss to No. 5 Washington because of an injury. … UCLA has scored one touchdown of 25 yards or longer in Pac-12 play. The Bruins had eight such plays in three non-conference games. … USC WR Brenden Rice has 11 touchdown receptions, which is tied with Troy Franklin of Oregon for most in the Pac-12.
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